Representative Anthony Allison Hosts Conversation with Lawmakers and Community Members on Honoring Navajo Code Talkers with Museum
Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández and New Mexico House Majority Leader Javier Martínez Discuss Potential New Museum and Recent Legislation
Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández, State Representative Anthony Allison and New Mexico House Majority Leader Javier Martínez at a town hall in Shiprock
Shiprock, NM- Last night, State Representative Anthony Allison (D-Fruitland) hosted a town hall at the Christ the King Catholic Center in Shiprock with US Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM 03) and NM House Majority Leader Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque). Lawmakers listened to community input on the potential new Navajo Code Talkers museum honoring their critical contributions to Allied forces' victory in World War II and discussed the recent legislative session.
“The Code Talkers are a proud part of Diné and American history and they deserve to have their legacy preserved for future generations,” said State Representative Allison. “A museum in our community where we can commemorate their contributions and honor all our Indigenous veterans is long overdue."
Navajo Code Talkers played a key role in World War II by allowing allied forces to send coded strategic communications based on the Navajo language. This gave the United States a critical strategic advantage during many of the key battles of WWII, including at Utah Beach during the D-Day invasion in France, and at Iwo Jima in the Pacific. Their mission was highly classified and it is believed enemies were never able to decipher their messages.
“The Diné have a proud history of patriotic service which deserves to be commemorated,” said Congresswoman Leger Fernández. “I’m glad I was able to hear directly from the community about how a museum honoring the Code Talkers and all Native Americans veterans will preserve their memory.”
Lawmakers also discussed recent legislative victories for veterans, Indigenous communities, and working families in New Mexico, including veteran tax benefits, investments in Indigenous language teachers and Indigenous schools, and tax rebates and relief payments for working families.
Lawmakers listen to community members during town hall in Shiprock
“I'm so grateful to hear directly from our veterans, especially in rural New Mexico. As lawmakers, we need to honor their legacy and do everything we can to address their needs in the legislature,” said New Mexico House Majority Leader Martínez.
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